Today, in a bipartisan vote of 7 to 4, Rhode Island’s Senate Judiciary Committee voted to send legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry to the full Senate. The Senate will soon debate and vote on the marriage bill.

“We’re grateful that the Senate Judiciary Committee has taken this critical step toward ensuring that same-sex couples can demonstrate and celebrate their love and commitment by getting married in Rhode Island,” said Janson Wu, a staff attorney for Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) who testified before the Judiciary Committee in favor of the bill. “Only marriage gives same-sex couples and their families the recognition and respect they need and deserve. GLAD is hopeful that the full Senate will act quickly to pass this bill.”

The Rhode Island House passed the bill with a large, bipartisan majority in January. Governor Lincoln Chafee, a vocal proponent of marriage for same-sex couples, has long pledged to sign a marriage bill into law.

Should the bill pass, Rhode Island would become the 10th state – in addition to the District of Columbia – to allow same-sex couples to legally marry. It would also become the final New England state to enact marriage equality, solidifying the region’s longstanding leadership in recognizing and protecting the dignity and freedom of LGBT people.